Demand for Mental Health Services Is Increasing, While Funding Is Decreasing

There is a correlation between austerity and its associated cutbacks and mental health issues. Indeed, in times of austerity we see increasing demands on mental health services. In 2013, for instance, there was a huge increase in people presenting with mental health issues. A study conducted in one of the communities I represent showed that for one in every three people who presented with a medical problem to the local doctor, there was also a mental health aspect. Any further cuts in the funding of services will lead to an increased incidence of mental health issues and more demands on those services. In the long run, that will prove even more costly.